The collaborative venture between Zaha Hadid Design (ZHD) and Karimoku Furniture marks a milestone in the world of furniture design, showcased through the exhibition “Hybridisation – ZAHA HADID DESIGN × Karimoku” at Milan Design Week 2024. SEYUN, the resultant brand, emerges as a blend of ZHD’s avant-garde design philosophy and Karimoku Furniture’s unparalleled craftsmanship. This exhibition serves as a platform to present the latest prototypes of the SEYUN collection, offering visitors insight into the collaborative process and the birth of this innovative brand.
The essence of hybridisation, characterized by multidisciplinary collaboration, is deeply ingrained in the exhibition’s ethos. By merging ZHD’s visionary designs with Karimoku Furniture’s expertise in woodworking, SEYUN symbolize a fusion of creativity and craftsmanship. The Garden House venue in Milan’s Tortona district provides the perfect backdrop for this immersive experience, inviting visitors to delve into the intricacies of hybrid design.
MILAN DESIGN WEEK 2024
At the heart of the exhibition lies an exploration of hybridisation in various forms: the amalgamation of design philosophies, the convergence of technology and traditional craftsmanship, and the synergy between different disciplines and processes. Through spatial graphics and multisensory experiences, visitors are immersed in a journey that celebrates the symbiotic relationship between ZHD and Karimoku Furniture.
The exhibition space itself is divided into two distinct sections: the Garden and the House. The Garden, set amidst a lush courtyard, showcases the new prototypes of the SEYUN collection against a backdrop of natural beauty. Here, visitors encounter a seamless blend of Japanese woodworking techniques and contemporary design sensibilities, exemplifying the concept of hybridisation.
In contrast, the House space offers a curated journey through the rich histories of ZHD and Karimoku Furniture. From furniture to toys, from skincare packaging to collectible figures, the collaboration between these two iconic brands extends beyond conventional boundaries, giving rise to new and exciting possibilities. Through a meticulous process that combines advanced technology with hand finishing, each piece in the collection embodies the ethos of “high tech & high touch,” synonymous with Karimoku Furniture’s legacy.
